The present invention is a steering system for a beam-type solid axle arrangement. The steering system is designed to operate in conjunction with the triangulated link-style suspension system with zero bumpsteer during suspension travel and negligible bumpsteer during articulation. Accurate steering throughout suspension operations is satisfied with mechanical linkages that include a slow ratio rack and pinion gearset and unique augmented chain and sprocket assembly. The slow ratio of the rack and pinion gearset ensures negligible bumpsteer during articulation, thereby leading to negligible if any bumpsteer throughout operation of the suspension system. Meanwhile, augmentation of the chain and sprocket assembly defines a steering quickener effect thereby speeding up the rack and pinion gearset and restoring quick steering response. Effortless steering is ensured by appropriate use of electric or hydraulic assist devices.

A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.

According to the present embodiments, a torque applied to a torsion bar is attenuated to thus relatively increase the rigidity of the torsion bar, thereby improving the response performance to a driver's steering wheel operation, increasing a responsive torque range, securing the durability of components such as the torsion bar, and simplifying adjustment of the moving distance of a rack bar compared to the number of revolutions of the steering wheel.

A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.

A bearing assembly comprises an inner ring having an inner circumferential surface, and an outer circumferential surface defining an inner bearing race thereon, an outer ring having an outer circumferential surface, and an inner circumferential surface defining in outer bearing race thereon. The inner bearing race of the inner ring and the outer bearing race of the outer ring are located in a radially spaced apart relationship. A bearing member comprising a rod, having one of a circular cross-section and an ovular cross-section, is formed as a wound helix and is disposed between, and in line contact with, the inner bearing race and the outer bearing race to support relative rotation of the inner ring and the outer ring.

A bearing assembly comprises an inner ring having an inner circumferential surface, and an outer circumferential surface defining an inner bearing race thereon, an outer ring having an outer circumferential surface, and an inner circumferential surface defining in outer bearing race thereon. The inner bearing race of the inner ring and the outer bearing race of the outer ring are located in a radially spaced apart relationship. A bearing member comprising a rod, having one of a circular cross-section and an ovular cross-section, is formed as a wound helix and is disposed between, and in line contact with, the inner bearing race and the outer bearing race to support relative rotation of the inner ring and the outer ring.

A stand-up type industrial vehicle, such as a stock chaser, is provided that includes a frame including a driver's space, a pair of steerable front wheels, and a steering system. The frame can include a cargo space behind the driver's space. The front wheels are pivotally coupled to the frame about respective laterally spaced-apart steering axes. The steering system is mounted to the frame for steering the wheels. The steering system includes a steering wheel, a steering lever operatively coupled to the steering wheel, for example via an upper and a lower shaft coupled by a one-stage reducer assembly, to be imparted a lateral swinging motion thereby upon rotation thereof, and a steering linkage coupled between the steering lever and the wheels to translate this lateral swinging motion into a turning motion of the wheels. A dual-pivot steering system for use in a stand-up type industrial vehicle is also provided.

The invention relates to a steering column for a motor vehicle comprising a steering shaft which is mounted in a steering shaft mounting unit and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and comprising a support unit for connecting the steering shaft mounting unit to the body of the motor vehicle. At least one component of the steering column is composed at least partially of a fiber-reinforced composite material and the component lies in the flux of force between the steering column and the body. The component is provided with at least one pultrusion layer which has multiple fibers produced by pultrusion as reinforcing fibers, said fibers being oriented parallel to one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.

A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.